Early morning by Lake Langtjønna.
Langtjønna
Walking trails and clear waters attract ramblers, fishermen and canoeists to the forests and waters in Langtjønna, where life was once totally different. Farms, raftsmen’s huts and old timber flumes are reminders of hard work in the past.
Ramblers, fishermen and canoeists
Langtjønna Protected Landscape is one of the most accessible areas in Gränslandet. Langen Farm, which can be reached by car or bus from Røros, is a popular starting point. You can also cycle to Ljøsnavollen on the gravel road from Feragen.
Here excursions await in an interesting cultural-history forest landscape. Take a day trip or a longer walk on the trail from Langen to Ljøsnavollen and on to Fjällnäs in Sweden. Or go canoeing on the long and narrow Lake Langtjønna between the two open, large lakes Feragen and Femunden.
Tømmerrenne (timber flume) – world heritage
Travelling along the lakes, you cannot escape noticing traces of the log-driving which took place here for several centuries. You come across “bua” huts such as Fløterbua, Furubakken and Lorthølbua. In the past they served as lodgings for lumberjacks and raftsmen. Today, they provide shelter for walkers and canoeists.
Here, right in the wilderness, you encounter the remarkable timber flumes. For many centuries, they were the forerunners of today’s timber trucks. Hundreds of thousands of logs were sent down the flumes. The flumes were restored in 1990 and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Røros Mining Town and the Circumference”. They are not made for towing canoes! However, there are separate boat tracks in some places.
From charcoal burning to tourist station
If Røros Copper Works had not existed, there would probably not be so many farms in this area. Langen Farm, just outside the protected landscape, started burning charcoal for the copper works already in the 18th century. Later, timber cutting, rafting, and transport of iron ore provided an income. In the 19th century, the farm set up a horse and carriage transport station and even started to receive tourists. The current owners are the ninth generation on the farm.
Other farms and mountain holdings …
… point to the historic importance of this area. Best known is perhaps Nordvika by the shores of Lake Femunden. The farm dates back to the18th century, when it was a reloading area for ore from Røros to the smeltery at Femundshytten. Nordvika’s neighbour to the north, Svartvika, most likely started as a mountain holding. Later it was also used as a guesthouse for timber drivers and others who travelled through forests and over water.
Øya and Ljøsnavollen are two mountain holdings still in operation. At Ljøsnavollen, the owners offer food and lodging for tourists.
Crooked pines and rich fens
The lakes are surrounded by boulder rich shores, thin pine forest and crooked pines. Bilberry, heather and cowberry provide ground cover.
The soil in Langtjønna Protected Landscape is richer than in many other places in Gränslandet. Orchids and other rich fen species such as broad-leaved cottongrass, yellow sedge and grass-of-Parnassus are found in some wetland areas.
Sami settlements
Sami people have lived in the area for a long period. Langtjønna Protected Landscape is part of the Femund reindeer grazing district. The area provides winter pasture for reindeer from Saanti Sijte and Gåebrien Sijte Sami villages.
Fine canoeing waters!
Tømmerenne.
Røros cattle – a native breed.
Photos: Naturcentrum AB.
Visitors are permitted to:
- go anywhere on foot or ski.
- pick common plants, berries and fungi for own use.
- temporarily pitch a tent.
- cautiously light a fire with dry branches, or your own logs, but remember the general ban on lighting fires in Norwegian forests from 15 April to 15 September. It is, however, permitted to use the two prepared fireplaces in Langtjønnabu and Muggosen even during this period.
- fish subject to regulations.
Visitors are not permitted to:
- fell dead, dying or distinctive trees.
- drive motor vehicles off-road.
- cycle or make organised tours on horseback, except for on the road to Ljøsnåvollen and the old cart track between Langen, Nordvika and Svartvika.
Full regulations are available here »
There are also other laws and regulations to consider.
The purpose of the protection is
- to safeguard a distinct natural landscape connected to Femundsmarka National Park, with cultural monuments, for example belonging to the timber transportation route between Femund and Feragen.
- to provide opportunities for nature experiences for the public through traditional and simple outdoor recreation.
Brief facts
Year: Established in 2003.
Name: Langtjønna Protected Landscape.
Area: 37 square kilometres.
Municipality: Røros.
County: Sør-Trøndelag.
Land owner: Public and private land.
Supervision, safety regulations: Norwegian Nature Inspectorate.
Nature conservation manager: County Governor in Sør-Trøndelag.